Stockton Auto Repair

We rely on our cars to start reliably every time we turn the key, but what happens when the starter begins to fail? In this article, we'll explore the common signs of a failing car starter and discuss what you can do to address the issue before it leaves you stranded. The Importance of The Car Starter The car starter is a small yet critical component of your vehicle's ignition system. Its primary function is to engage the engine's flywheel and initiate the combustion process, allowing the engine to start and run. Without a functioning starter, your car won't be able to start, leaving you stranded and frustrated. Signs of a Failing Car StarterIntermittent Starting Issues One of the most common signs of a failing starter is intermittent starting problems. You may notice that your car starts fine one day but struggles to turn over the next. This inconsistency is often a telltale sign that the starter is beginning to f ... read more

You're rushing to work on time, but as you turn the key in the ignition, all you hear is a frustrating click-click-click. Could your battery fail you again, or is another issue lurking under the hood? Let's see how a seemingly dead battery is and uncover the hidden role of the alternator in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Dead Battery or Faulty Alternator? It's a situation many drivers have faced. You attempt to start your car, only to be met with silence or the dreaded sound of a struggling starter motor. While a dead battery is often the first suspect, the alternator could be the culprit behind your vehicle's electrical woes.  The alternator is responsible for generating electrical power while the engine runs, replenishing the battery's charge, and powering various electrical systems. If the alternator fails, your batt ... read more

Toole’s Garage Stockton can provide comprehensive car care for your vehicle. We can provide complex diagnostics and major repairs – as well as something seemingly simple, yet so important – power windows repair. There are many issues that can negatively impact your ability to bring the car window up or down: the motor itself may be at fault, or a switch, or the regulator which moves the window up or down, or the fuse. So if your vehicle’s window is slowing down or not moving at all, call our Stockton auto repair shop to get your car’s windows problems diagnosed and repaired. At Tool’s Garage we offer not only friendly customer service, but also technical excellence – our technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). So we can diagnose not just power window problems, but also any other problem that your vehicle may exhibit. As for power window failure, it is a fairly common issue, so if you notice ... read more

Wondering if your hybrid car needs a new battery? Here are signs you should look for. Hybrid vehicles offer a blend of gasoline and electric power, but their batteries can wear out over time. Here's how to tell if it's time for a replacement without breaking a sweat. Hybrid Car Batteries Before we get to the signs, it's essential to understand hybrid car batteries. Unlike traditional vehicles, hybrids rely on both gasoline engines and electric motors. The battery pack is the heart of the hybrid system, storing and supplying electricity to the electric motor. Typically, hybrid batteries are designed to last for several years, but like any other component, they can degrade over time. Signs That Your Hybrid Car Battery Needs Replacement: Decreased Fuel Efficiency One of the telltale signs of a failing hybrid battery is a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency. If you find yourself making more frequent trips to the gas station despite maintain ... read more

At Toole’s Garage Stockton we offer comprehensive automotive services including brake calipers service and replacement. Brake calipers are an integral part of the braking system. They press the brake pads against the rotors to generate the friction that slows down, and ultimately, stops your vehicle. Brake calipers are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle – that is unless something happens that causes them to not function at the optimal level. In some cases, service will include cleaning and lubrication, but in other cases brake caliper replacement will be the right solution. Some symptoms that may indicate brake caliper problem include: Car pulls to one side Leaking brake fluid Uneven brake wear Strange noise when braking   So if your vehicle exhibits any of these symptoms, bring it to Toole’s Garage Stockton for a professional brake inspection. Our technicians are certified b ... read more

Imagine a world without catalytic converters—where harmful emissions from vehicles pollute the air we breathe unchecked. Fortunately, catalytic converters are crucial in reducing harmful pollutants emitted by vehicles, making them an indispensable component of modern automotive technology. What is a Catalytic Converter? At its core, a catalytic converter is a device installed in the exhaust system of vehicles to reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gasses into less harmful substances through chemical reactions. These reactions take place within the converter's honeycomb-like structure, which contains precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. How Does a Catalytic Converter Work? The catalytic converter operates through a series of chemical reactions known as redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions. When exhaust gasses containing pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) pass ... read more

When your Acura computer displays “A” service code, is it really just oil change? Well… yes and no. Yes, “A” service does mean oil change, but with oil change also comes oil filter change. And then there are additional modifications – digits that follow the code. They tell us what additional maintenance items or inspections are to be performed. Code A1 means oil change, oil filter change, tire pressure check and tire rotation. Code A2 means not just oil change and oil filter change, but also replacing dust and pollen filter, and checking driving belt. Code A3 ads transfer fluid and transmission fluid (where applicable) replacement to the oil and oil filter change. Code A4 is the big one – in addition to oil and filter change, it also indicates spark plugs replacement, as well as valve clearance inspection, water pump inspection and timing belt replacement (when replacing timing belt, we also recommend replacing the water pump). Code A5 me ... read more

Continental is a household name in the tire industry – it offers tires for  not only for passenger cars, vans and pickups, but also for motorcycles, commercial trucks and even industrial equipment. Continental also happens to be one of the most popular tires in California. Our Stockton auto care facility offers extensive selection of Continental tires to the residents of Stockton, Lathrop, French Camp and Lodi. Whether your vehicle needs a full set of tires, a pair, or just one tire, we are happy to be of service. Continental continues to invest in tire development, and tests its designs by partnering with Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, and BMW, producing racing tires. Having tested their tires under the extreme racing conditions, Continental can confidently offer passenger vehicle, van and pickup tires to the general public. Toole’s Garage Stockton offers a friendly tire buying experience, along with full range of automotive maintenance services and repairs. Conti ... read more

For any owner of the Ultimate Driving Machine, Toole’s Garage in Stockton will be a welcome change from the dealership experience.  Our friendly service advisors will take the time to answer your questions, and to set up an appointment that fits your schedule. For your convenience we also offer local shuttle, and all services and repairs performed on your BMW are covered by our nationwide 36 month / 36,000 mile warranty. Whether your BMW needs regular service, check engine light diagnostics, oil leak repair or is facing major engine problems, our highly skilled technicians, certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will use state-of-the-art digital diagnostic tools to find the root cause of any problems your vehicle may exhibit. Once we know the root cause, we will provide you with a written estimate of the needed repairs – whether you drive BMW M3, BMW 330i, 528i, BMW X5 or Z4, we will take great care of your vehicle. If you own a cl ... read more

Mini Cooper vehicles are fun to drive but they’ve been known to develop oil leaks. At Toole’s Garage Stockton we offer complete Mini Cooper services including oil leak repair. So how can you tell if your Mini is leaking oil? Oil spots in the garage or on the driveway are, obviously, a dead giveaway (check that it’s oil, not just water from the ac system condensation). But monitoring oil level is also a good practice. If you notice that you have to add engine oil between regular oil changes, it may indicate an oil leak – let your mechanic know at the next oil change. If the oil is leaking on the engine part that gets hot, you may smell a strong, pungent odor from the engine area. If you notice any of these symptoms, let us know when you bring your Mini for a checkup. Common Areas/Causes of Mini Cooper Oil Leaks Damaged components, like O-rings or valve cover gasket are prime suspects when it comes to oil leaks. Worn out seals, like the crankshaft seal, could ... read more